A/N: Hi! It's nearly midnight here, but I've finally finished and polished chapter 9! For a story that was originally going to be 10 chapters, it's certainly come a long way (There are definitely more then a few chapters left to come). I know I'm terribly slow at updating (and I'm so sorry about it) but I promise you this story will be finished. I enjoy writing so much, it's just finding the time to sit down and do it. Hopefully this chapter fulfills your expectations!

We're nearly at 100 favourite's, and over 170 follows. So exciting! I never thought anything I wrote would be enjoyed by so many people. Once again, thank you so much to all of you amazing readers, especially those following it. Reviews as always are fantastic. I just realised I never got around to responding to you all last time, but rest assured that I read every one that came through my inbox and appreciate it so much - I'll be responding this time in any case so be sure to press that review button at the end!

Disclaimer: Anything you recognise belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling

Chapter 9: A Weasley Dinner

The Weasley home was as far from normal as you could get. Magic seemed to infiltrate almost every aspect of life in the Burrow; from the way the levels of the house seemed to haphazardly been layered on top of each other, to the welcoming party of gnomes in the front yard and the bursts of accidental magic occurring every other hour. Then there was the laughter; the pranks; the endless chatter; and the occasional shouting match between parent and child. It was obvious to any outsider that the Weasley's were a close family. Yet the moment he had knocked on the door earlier that evening, Remus had felt like he was a part of it - and he had enjoyed every minute of it.

Several hours after first apparating at the border of the burrow, Remus sat among the kids at the Weasley dining room table - having just finished the best meal he could recall since leaving Hogwarts. The Prewett brothers definitely hadn't been lying when they boasted of their sisters prowess in the kitchen - and, let's face it, Remus thought to himself, cooking hadn't exactly been Lily's or any of the Marauder's strongest point.

"Would you like any more Remus?" Molly asked from across the table, as the noise from the kids seemed to lull for a bit.

"No thanks," Remus said hurriedly, "I've had more than I should already." After already eaten seconds (in both the main and desert), not that he had that much of a say in it, Remus didn't think he could possibly eat another bite.

Seeing Molly about to protest, he quickly added on, "It was amazing Molly, really, I don't think I've eaten that well in years, but I really can't eat another thing."

"Thank you dear, it's nothing really," Molly said with a smile, "And you certainly looked like you needed something decent to eat for once."

Remus was saved from thinking up a reply as a glob of apple purée suddenly flew across the table, hitting Arthur directly in the face. It took the tiniest giggle from little Ginny for everyone to realise exactly what happened.

To Arthur's credit, he barely reacted – obviously this was far from the first time this had happened. The boy's however, seemed to think it was completely hilarious. At least until the next glob arrived, splattering over both Bill and Percy.

With a slightly apologetic look in his direction, Arthur rolled his eyes, calmly wiped himself clean, then quickly decided to pull Ginny's ammunition source out of her reach.

Molly, foreseeing disaster as Ginny's face quickly fell, immediately decided to pick the girl from her high chair and seat her on her lap, shushing the boys slightly as she did so.

"Dear me," she said out loud to Ginny, "You're almost as much trouble as your brother's were! Here I was thinking a girl may have slightly less energy."

Arthur let out a slight snort at that, obviously having no such thoughts, but seeing the look on his wife's face, decided to keep his comments to himself.

"Sorry about this," Arthur started, but Remus immediately cut him off.

"Trust me," Remus said with a small laugh, "This is nothing compared to what my friends used to get up to at Hogwarts."

"Oh Remus," Molly started, "Would you like a cloth or something?"

As Molly was speaking, Remus couldn't help but be slightly distracted as he noticed the twins having a great deal of fun making faces. Obviously, being quiet was not a translation to don't cause trouble for them. The two oldest boys were doing their best to ignore it (trying to wipe the remaining apple purée off themselves at the same time), while young Percy tried desperately to get them to stop, obviously taking his role as the responsible older brother very seriously. He, somewhat unfortunately, seemed to be having very little success. All in all, it was a very entertaining sight, and it was all Remus could do to stop himself laughing out loud. He couldn't have been further distracted from the fact that Ginny's food had also somehow found its way onto his own robes.

At his lack of reply, Molly followed his gaze to the twins – who immediately put on the most innocent faces they could manage. Remus didn't doubt for a second that they would be quite the handful over the next few years. As James and Sirius would say, they were Marauders in the making.

"Right," Molly started with slightly narrowed eyes, "I think it's time that you two head to bed. Percy you too, it's way past your bedtime – and Ron's almost asleep in the chair. Bill, Charlie, would you two be a dear and clear the table quickly before taking your brother's upstairs. Don't forget to say goodbye to Mr Lupin.

Charlie let out a little grumble before catching his Dad's eye and deciding to follow Bill's lead to the kitchen

"Bye Mr Lupin," the twins called quickly as they scrambled off their chairs, before proceeding to race each other up the stairs.

"Night kids!" Remus called out behind them quickly as they disappeared.

Percy stopped for a bit longer, coming over to say good night 'properly' before hanging around slightly for his older brothers.

"Will you come again?" Charlie asked Remus, as he re-emerged from the kitchen and moved towards him to say good night. "I really want to hear that dragon story you mentioned … and the…" He was cut off by a yawn escaping his mouth.

Remus let out a slight chuckle, before sending a questioning gaze over to Arthur, who nodded reassuringly.

"How about," he started, "You go get some sleep. Then one day when you're a little more awake, I'll come back and tell it to you then myself."

Charlie looked set to protest he wasn't tired before catching his mother's eye, and nodding somewhat wearily.

"Are you ok with Ginny, Mum?" Bill asked.

"I'll be fine, thank you dear," Molly replied, "I'll put her to bed myself, you just take care of Ron and keep an eye on the twins. Dad and I will be up soon to say good night."

Bill nodded, as he grabbed Ron's hand and called out, "See you next time Remus."

"See you then Bill," Remus replied with a small chuckle as Bill so obviously ignored his Mum; deciding to call him by his first name instead as Remus said he could earlier. He didn't mind – Mr Lupin made him feel old and Molly barely noticed in any case.

Remus turned back to watch as Molly's eyes fondly tracked each of her kids in turn as they made their way up the rickety steps, the thunder from six sets of feet echoing slightly on the bottom level of the house.

Seven children, he could still hardly believe it. Yet each of the Weasley kids were so easy to like. In the hour before dinner, and throughout the meal itself, he had talked to every one of them. It had been hard not to for that matter; a visitor was obviously still a novelty six months after the war had finished.

It had been hardest watching young Ron; still in nappies, toddling around eagerly after his older brothers, and babbling endlessly, often much to his siblings' annoyance. Each time he had looked at the boy, regardless of the lack of physical resemblance, Remus just couldn't help but think about Harry - wondering if he was walking confidently now; if he was talking as much as Ron yet; whether he still held onto that old stuffed stag everywhere he went; or even if the boys would be friends one day. They would be in the same year at Hogwarts at least.

In general, Remus tried to avoid thinking about Harry. His request for custody had been denied within hours of submitting it, and the ministry had stated quite rudely at the same time that they didn't want a werewolf anywhere near the Boy-who-lived (Not that, in Remus' opinion, they had any right to forbid him in the first place). On top of that, often it simply just hurt too much to imagine what could have been. Harry had been the world to James and Lily. Every time any of the marauders visited the cottage in Godric's Hollow there were more stories to tell… more things for Harry to show off. Sirius almost had it as bad as James. Remus could still vividly remember the time Harry had uttered his first words. Every one of them had been there, mostly watching Prongs and Padfoot cooing over the little boy, both determined that it would be 'Dada' or 'Padfoo' which Harry said first. The look on both of their faces had been hysterical to see when Lily picked him up and he very confidently said 'Mama' instead.

Harry was one of the main reasons Remus had struggled so much in believing Sirius' guilt. Padfoot seemed almost as protective of him as James or Lily had been most of the time, anyone who had watched the two together would have wondered how he could have sent the Potters to their deaths.

Of course, it made much more sense now. In those last few months in particular, Wormtail had still seemed just as eager as the rest of them to hear about how Harry was going. Yet now Remus thought about it, he had definitely managed to avoid being too close to Prongs Jr (as the marauders had affectionately called him). Harry had never seemed to like him as much either, especially when compared to his godfather…

"Remus? Are you ok?"

A female voice cut through his thoughts, and Remus suddenly found himself looking straight into the concerned eyes of Molly Weasley.

"Oh, yes, fine… I'm fine. Sorry Molly, just got lost in thought there for a bit," Remus replied, shaking his head slightly as he tried to push the memories of Godric's Hollow to the back of his mind.

"Are you sure? I'm sorry if the children were a bit much. They tend to jump on visitors a bit…" Molly started babbling.

"No, not at all Molly," Remus cut her off seamlessly, "Your kids are amazing. You and Arthur should be very proud. I just haven't been around children in a while."

Molly beamed at him, "Well, I can't imagine life without each of them. Goodness knows, not even Fred and George, for all the trouble those two cause."

"You were very good with them," Arthur cut over his wife before she could continue, giving Remus a slightly appraising glance, "I've never seen anyone else handle all seven of them so well the first time over here. And they certainly liked you."

Remus tried to prevent the flush he felt coming to his face at the unexpected praise, instead replying calmly, "Ah, it's nothing Arthur. It's really not to do with me. The kids really are good, and I haven't had this much fun in ages, not since Harry…"

Remus cut himself off. He couldn't believe he'd let that slip out. Any mention of Harry Potter at a wizarding dinner table was surely a bad idea now days. Not to mention, he really didn't want to have that conversation.

The room which had minutes ago been filled with chatter and laughter, seemed suddenly very silent, only disrupted by the echo of running footsteps on the floors above.

"Remus?" Molly whispered hesitantly, "You mean, Harry Potter, don't you?"

"Molly," Arthur muttered, "Remember what I said…"

"Oh, Remus dear, I'm so sorry. I couldn't help myself. Thinking of the Potters must not be easy for you. I shouldn't have said anything. That poor boy, I can't imagine what he went through…"

Molly seemed to be babbling nervously, completely unsure what to say. Remus really wished she would stop. She was a wonderful person, but this was exactly why he didn't mean to mention Harry in the first place.

Thankfully, Arthur cut in once again, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder as he did so, "We're very sorry for your lost Remus, and I apologise for bringing up bad memories."

"No, it's fine," Remus tried to brush it off, "I should be thankful Harry's still safe at least. It's just hard not to get lost in thoughts of what could have been…"

There was another uncomfortable silence in the room, before a timely large bang echoed from the corridors above them. Ginny started awake from her doze instantly, and Percy's yelling could be heard on the stairwell.

"Really!" Molly started, as she started trying to sooth Ginny in her arms, "Is it too hard for them to stay out of trouble for more than 10 minutes…"

"Why don't you go and check on them dear." Arthur said, "I'm sure Remus won't mind."

"I'm so sorry Remus. It'll have been Fred, or George for sure. They just can't seem to keep out of trouble," Molly said as she pushed back her chair, Ginny still in her arms.

Remus shook his head slightly, grateful for the distraction, as the noise above seemed to increase if that was at all possible. As she turned around to hurry up the steps, Remus let a small smile grace his face. If Molly Weasley was anything like Mrs Potter, those boys had better watch their backs.

Sure enough, a few seconds later, her shouts echoed through the thin walls of the house, and the noise of the kids had almost disappeared.

Arthur rolled his eyes slightly, seemingly sending a prayer to above, before turning back to Remus. "Why don't we go over to the couch? Would you like a drink Remus?"


Ten minutes later, Butterbeers in hand (having decided to forgo the Firewhisky to avoid Molly's wrath), Arthur and Remus were settled in the Burrows living room.

"So, Remus," Arthur started, almost nervously, "I'm sorry if this brings up bad memories again, but I have to admit, I'm still curious about bumping into you at the ministry today. I mean the trial was on Monday…" He trailed off awkwardly, as if unsure what to say.

Remus on the other hand, was completely relieved. He had been sure Arthur was about to bring Harry up again, but instead had brought up the one topic Remus was unsure of how to broach.

"Actually," Remus started, "I was kind of hoping to speak to you about it myself."

Arthur raised his eyebrows questioningly at that, obviously not expecting that answer. "Well, Remus, if I was curious before, I'm certainly interested now. Obviously more's going on than just a trial?"

Remus nodded, feeling his throat suddenly go partly dry as he searched for how best to present the possibility of Sirius' innocence.

"You see Arthur, when I finally arrived at the trial last Monday, I was fully expecting to feel like nothing more than punching Sirius in the face upon its finish. He was supposedly a traitor after all – a Death Eater. Then considering how arrogant he could be at times, not that I always payed attention to it, I fully expected him to try to blatantly lie, or declare himself openly. It had to be one of those two, or so I thought."

He paused, but Arthur seemed to be content to listen.

"But then, he was dragged in by those Dementors, barely looking conscious." Remus said, letting the weariness he felt show in his voice, "He looked almost lost, yet he was determined as well. The Ministry piled testimony upon testimony against him. Listing every bit of evidence they had been able to drag up. But he didn't do anything the whole time, other the shoot the occasional glare at Crouch. And the few times he caught my eyes he seemed almost pleading."

Remus shook his head slightly at that, "The Sirius I knew never pleaded, Arthur."

"Azkaban is truly a horrible place," Arthur said quietly, "Those Dementors should not exist."

Remus nodded in agreement, before Arthur asked, "So what happened? I can't help but notice Remus, that you are calling him by his first name."

"He told his story," Remus said, "No doubt you saw the parts they printed in the prophet. I didn't know what to think. I had to talk to him myself. After the trial, Dumbledore came up with a plan. We managed to get in to see him, and I asked him that one question."

Arthur was watching him closely as Remus looked up to meet his eyes, "He's innocent Arthur, I swear it. Dumbledore confirmed it himself, and in the state he was in, I doubt he had a chance of fooling Dumbledore if he hadn't been telling the truth.

Arthur leant back, obviously not sure what to think. Remus started fiddling with his hands as the pause started to drag out.

"So you were visiting him today?" Arthur finally said.

He nodded, not wanting to say anymore.

"Forgive me, Remus, but I'm finding this very hard to believe," Arthur said, a slight hardness present in his voice that hadn't been there before, "As you said yourself there is all that evidence against him. He's supposed to be You Know Who's second in command!"

Remus gulped slightly, not sure what to say. He should have grown use to this disbelief by now – but Andromeda must have given him some hope that it would be different.

"But you say Dumbledore believes him to?" Arthur suddenly said, completely surprising Remus again.

He nodded, feeling his heart lift slightly again. "Via legilimency, I saw him do it myself. I'm sure he wouldn't mind confirming it.

"So," Arthur began, "The paper said he accused Pettigrew?"

"Yes," Remus replied firmly, his confidence starting to return, "We got the wrong person. Pettigrew was the traitor, not that we'd ever have guessed."

"But wasn't he blown to pieces?" Arthur questioned, still slightly unbelieving, "Why would he do that to himself?"

"The largest bit they found of him was his finger," Remus said wearily. This was the bit he still found hard to believe himself. He continued, "Which doesn't make much sense when you think about it. We think he cut it off to trick everyone, before sending a blasting spell at the ground. The papers didn't reveal this part, but he was an animagus. So he simply transformed on the spot, leaving his bloodied clothes behind and Sirius to take the blame." Remus sighed again, before adding bitterly "He was smarter than us all in the end."

Arthur shook his head, as though trying to clear it. "This doesn't exactly make much sense Remus," he said, "But at the same time, I can somehow see where Black's story is coming from. I'm guessing you're trying to search for Pettigrew on his behalf then?"

"That's the reason the trial was postponed," Remus responded, keeping his fingers crossed that Arthur would agree to help, "We have a week to find Pettigrew; to prevent Sirius from going back to Azkaban."

"No," a voice suddenly cut into the conversation. Both Arthur and Remus immediately twisted around, to see Molly standing completely still and white-faced by the door, Ginny no longer with her. Remus didn't know how much she had heard, but obviously it wasn't taken well.

"No," she said more confidently, "I will not stand here and listen to this… this nonsense for any longer!"

"Molly," Arthur said softly, moving towards her, "Molly, just maybe listen?"

"Arthur!" she almost shouted, pushing him away, "How, how can you even say that. Sirius Black…. That monster…. He's the reason Fabian and Gideon are dead! My brothers! If it hadn't been for that traitor…"

Tears were running down her face now, and Arthur, ignoring her hands trying to push him away, gathered her in a hug.

Remus closed his eyes and let his head droop wearily. How had he completely forgotten the part the orders traitor had played in the deaths of the Prewett's? Of course Molly would blame Sirius. From memory, Sirius had never really done anything to help Molly like him either; having been young, somewhat arrogant, and completely reckless when they had first met after graduating school.

Pinching his nose slightly, he looked up again to see Molly's head buried in Arthur's chest, her body still heaving slightly as the tears continued to come. As his eyes met Arthur's, the man shook his head slightly and Remus nodded slightly in resignation.

Molly looked up as she felt the small movement, "I don't know how you can even start to say those things, Remus Lupin," she began, sounding completely worn, "After everything he's done…"

"Now," she said determinedly, pushing herself away from Arthur again, as she looked between them, "I don't want to hear one more word about… him in this house. Am I understood?"

Remus didn't know what to say as he nodded in response, faced with little choice.

Still shaking slightly, Molly gave one more determined nod, before wiping her eyes and hurrying out of the room; unwilling to talk for any longer.

Arthur walked back over to Remus, "I'm so sorry Remus,"

"No, don't apologise," Remus said quickly, "It's completely my fault, and I've had much worse, believe me. And after going through what she has, I completely understand that reaction. I should have been more careful."

Arthur licked his lips slightly nervously, before saying after a short pause, "I think perhaps, it would be best if we left it here for tonight."

Remus nodded, having expected it since Molly interrupted.

Fetching his coat from its hook, Remus stepped outside, Arthur following him out, closing the door softly behind him.

"Thank you for inviting me over tonight," Remus said as he reached the gate, turning to face Arthur beside him, "I haven't been out to dinner since the war, and I can't tell you how much coming over here meant to me. Please, pass on my thanks to Molly for her hospitality. It was a wonderful meal, I don't think I've eaten that well since leaving school."

Arthur had half a smile at that. "She's always been talented," he said, before letting out a small sigh, "And you were completely welcome Remus. It is nice for us to have company as well. Maybe, once this has all died down, we can do it again. Molly isn't one to hold a grudge, I think she just got a bit of a shock tonight."

Remus held out a hand for him to shake, "As I said earlier Arthur, I do not blame her at all. And if she ever did feel like having me again after tonight, I would be honoured."

Arthur grasped his hand tightly in response, "Thank you Remus. To tell the truth, I don't know how much of a choice we'll have." He let a smile grace his face before continuing, "The kids really did love you, and I think Charlie sounded pretty determined to hear that dragon story."

Remus let out a small chuckle at that.

"Remus," Arthur said, as he went to open the gate, "So you know, I might just talk to Dumbledore myself. I'm still not certain, but at the same time I still remember what Sirius was like with the Prewett's, so I wouldn't mind hearing the complete story."

"Dad!" a sudden cry interrupted him from the kitchen inside, "Dad! Scabbers looks real sick. Can you look at him? Dad!"

"Percy," Arthur said, rolling his eyes slightly as Remus looked questioningly at him. "He picked up this old rat from the garden last November, and was determined to keep it as a pet even though it looked like it was on its last legs then…"

Remus felt his stomach plummet as he processed what Arthur had just said. "Arthur," he said hesitantly, trying to keep the panic he was feeling out of his face, "Did you just say your son has a pet rat he found last November?"

Arthur looked at him, slightly concerned and completely oblivious, "Yes, is that a problem?"

"What exactly does the rat look like?" Remus said quickly trying to keep his voice level, ignoring the weird look Arthur was now directing at him.

"Well, like any garden rat," Arthur responded bemused, "grey fur, blue eyes. As I said, it looked like it had been through the wars a bit. Was even missing a toe…"

Remus let out a slight choking noise and Arthur trailed off. Staring at Remus, his eyes suddenly seemed to go wide, obviously realising the connection. "That, that thing is not a rat is it?" he said quietly, voice shaking slightly.

Remus shook his head slowly, the situation beginning to completely set in.

Arthur dug in his pocket frantically for his wand, as Remus suddenly had a flash of Arthur throwing it down on the kitchen table after he got the drinks.

Obviously remembering exactly what Remus had just thought, Arthur's head snapped back to the house. Before Remus could stop him, he was dashing back for the stairs.

"Percy," he roared frantically, "Get away from that rat!"

The door banged open, as a high-pitched scream echoed through the room. Arthur stopped short; just inside and seemingly frozen in place. Wand out, Remus came in behind him, his heart beating furiously.

As soon as he could see the room, Remus stopped dead.

Crouching in the corner on the other side of the kitchen, a small rat cage discarded beside him, was none other than his ex-best friend, Peter Pettigrew. And it wasn't seeing Wormtail's face for the first time in six months that made dread suddenly fill his body … but seeing the wand Wormtail's shaking hand was pointing directly at Percy Weasley's head.